Navigating the Path of Innovation: Insights from Johan Cardoen on a Career in Ag Biotech

In this episode, we have an interesting conversation with Johan Cardoen, a Biotech executive who started his career in 1988, with Plant Genetic Systems which was the first biotech company in Belgium. Since then, he played a very important role in the growth and the evolution of the Belgium biotech ecosystem.

Johan Cardoen shares how he grew Crop Design into an acquisition target through strategic deal-making. Tune in to hear how he led a young startup through an acquisition process in just 10 weeks after creating multiple exit options. Get insider tips for navigating challenges in sustainable agriculture commercialization.

Learn how regulatory hurdles stifle innovation and what it takes to succeed as an ag-tech entrepreneur. Discover the untapped potential of biologicals and new breeding technologies to build a resilient food system.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Highlights of Johan Cardoen’s career

06:41 Creating options for a company's exit strategy

11:46 VIB's role in developing Belgium's life science ecosystem

18:51 Agriculture vs. Non-agriculture in VIB

22:38 The greatest need for agriculture innovation

25:53 The challenges of innovative start-ups

28:57 Regulatory challenges and European debates

31:59 A message for start-up companies